Thomas James Sheehan

Thomas James Sheehan of Tega Cay, SC passed away at the age of 80 after suffering from Congestive Heart Failure. Even though he and his family knew his time left was short, his death was still too soon, and words cannot express the enormous amount of loss and grief felt by his family and friends. It brings comfort to know that he is in Heaven with his parents, Leo & Claire Sheehan, and parent-in-laws, Chester & Ruth Borlet. Heaven is blessed to have Tom as its newest angel as he adds his great sense of humor & big personality, and he will liven up the place. Everyone who knew Tom said he was “One of a kind,” in the best way.

Tom was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan, where he and his younger brother Jim were more than a handful for their parents. Stories from their childhood are legendary. Tom graduated from Seaholm High School and attended Marquette University, majoring in business.

Tom served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1963-69 and spent a good portion of his time as a Drill Sergeant. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant, E5.

Tom followed in his father’s footsteps into the machine tool industry where his hard work, ambition, determination, and management skills enabled him to ascend from Sales to President & CEO of Machine Tool Systems, Inc. in Charlotte, NC. Tom’s work moved him and his family around the country, from Kalamazoo, MI, to Peoria, IL, Boston MA, Charlotte, NC, and Monroe, CT. Tom’s work also allowed he and Bonnie to travel the world; they especially enjoyed their time in Japan, Germany, and Italy. Tom enjoyed his work, and he loved the people he worked with. He retired after 35+ years in the industry to Tega Cay, SC.

Tom loved a good time and he lived life to the fullest with his boats, Corvette’s, and Harley Davidson motorcycle’s. He & Bonnie would travel the country with friends on their motorcycle, blasting music from Bob Seger. Tom loved people and especially his family. He leaves behind the love of his life, Bonnie, to whom he was married for 56 years. And his daughters SueAnn (Donald) Burroughs and Kimberly (David) Guth. Tom & Bonnie are blessed with four grandchildren, Kylie & Mavis Burroughs, and Emma & Pierson Guth; His brother Jim (Georgette) Sheehan; His brother-in-law Bob (Sharon) Borlet; His nieces Erin Sheehan and Cynthia (Brad) Larson; And his nephews Brian (Carmen), Michael (Christine) and Geoffrey (Eilish) Borlet.

A “Celebration of Life & Funeral Mass” will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at 9 o’clock in the morning at St. Philip Neri Church, 292 Munn Rd E, Fort Mill, SC.